Yapp’s back and vows to shine

January 28, 2015

00:00

Prop John Yapp is set to run out for Wasps for the first time since November on Sunday and is hell-bent on continuing their assault on three fronts.

Wasps have lost just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, leaving them fourth in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table and through to the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-finals – though Yapp missed that entire run due to injury.

This weekend their attentions turn to the LV= Cup, a competition Wasps have won three times before, with Yapp’s former employers Cardiff Blues the visitors to the Ricoh Arena.

And now the 31-year-old has recovered from his calf problem he is determined to play a belated part in Wasps’ season.

“It will be nice to get back out on the pitch, there’s no substitute for it,” said Yapp.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating to be on the sidelines, though good to see how well the team has been performing.

“There might be a few changes to the team this week, because we’ve got a bigger squad this season than in past years, but that gives us an opportunity to field a strong side.

“Winning is a habit and we want to keep it going as a squad, whichever competition we’re playing in.

“It’s important for us all to contribute and we’ve just got to try and keep the momentum going.

“We haven’t lost for a while and we want to keep that record going this weekend.”

Players from the Wasps Academy will be on hand to sell ‘#StayStrongForOws’ wristbands at Sunday’s game, designed to raise funds to support Cardiff Blues’ player Owen Williams continue his recovery from a serious spinal injury suffered in June.

Yapp is a former Cardiff team-mate of Williams and says the 22-year-old’s welfare is never far from his thoughts.

“I haven’t been able to see him but I have had people giving me updates,” added Yapp.

“We’re going to have the Academy lads selling the selling the ‘Stay Strong’ wristbands. It’s a great charity.

“Obviously what happened to Owen was a horrible accident and we’re happy to help in any way we can.”